Volunteers' Week: Volunteering at The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre
Dorset Wildlife Trust volunteer Phil Abraham describes his experience and shares some of his favourite moments volunteering at The Wild Seas Centre.
Volunteering for Dorset Wild Life Trust has something for everyone. For me it was the perfect opportunity to put my love of seashore life to good use at The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre in Kimmeridge Bay.
Having lived on the Dorset coast most of my life, unlocking some of the marine mysteries for those who haven’t had the privilege is personally fulfilling. It also plays a small but crucial part in ensuring the continued conservation of these areas by introducing people to the safe ways of making the most of the beach. Safe for the flora and fauna living there, as well as the intrepid rockpool explorers who flock to visit this special place.
My role provides me with the chance to engage with visitors of all ages and lead them through the wonders of the intertidal zone and all its specialised inhabitants. Watching a child’s joy as they get to feed a sea anemone, learn about the lonely life of the 'Boring Piddock', or engage in a rockpool safari on the foreshore, is both great fun as well as an opportunity to deliver knowledge in bite sized and memorable chunks. Providing an insight into the best ways to enjoy this fragile environment with care and consideration also ensures that it remains in good condition for future generations to enjoy.
All of this is enjoyed as part of a vibrant team of volunteers who bring their own personal skill sets from their ‘day-to-day’ lives to add to the mix.
Nigel Phillips / Common piddock
© Sarah Hodgson
If you'd like to volunteer for Dorset Wildlife Trust then check out our current volunteering opportunities.